The Cruel Prince review

 Starting of what I hope will will be a good new year with what I know is an excellent book. The cruel prince by Holly Black the first book  in an amazing trilogy.

As Jude (a mortal)is pulled into the Fae realm of perilous political plots she must learn to adapt and thrive .Jude's ambition  to become a knight soon leads a double life with Jude doing everything within her power to end up on top.

One of my favourite things about this book is that it was brimming with tension from start to finish. With both romantic and geo political tension weaved thought the book it was a page turner.

Holly creates a vivid fantasy world with a engaging geopolitical landscape - making it both easy for the reader to understand  and access  while also being an engaging plot driver.

It also has a gripping romance sub plot with everyone's favourite troupe -Enemies to lovers. The romance creates tension while not being to steamy(perfect for those of us who like romance but not smut).

What stands out to me the most however about this book , is the main character - Jude. She is ambitious and ruthless character  in a very Lady Macbethesque way while still being very easy to root for. This type of character is not often shown in a  positive light in media and it's really exciting to see a woman who is not penalised for her ambition .

This book also tackles over coming discrimination (which Jude faces at the hands of the Fae) and shows how people can arise over such behaviour.

In the words of Jude: "Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐